Formalist film theory views film as an art form rather than a reproduction of reality. It emphasizes that filmmakers can manipulate and mold images to create story and emotion through techniques like editing, lighting, and camerawork. There are different approaches under formalism like neo-realism and avant-garde. Formalism also focuses on how socio-economic pressures influence film style and the communication of ideas. Two examples are Classical Hollywood cinema, which created a closed, pleasant world for audiences, and film noir, known for urban settings and flawed main characters. Formalist theory also helped establish the auteur theory by arguing that films have authors like other artistic works.

1. FORMALIST
FILM
THEORY
By Thomas McWatters, Melissa
Lim, Dan Wargo, Gus Camaraza,
Rocco Rygiel

2. ORIGIN
 This theory says that Film is indeed art and not
reproduction of reality.
 Unlike realist theorists, formalist film theorists believe
that the art of cinema is possible precisely because a
movie is unlike everyday life…

3. ORIGIN CONT.
 Formalist film makers shape and mold the images we
see on the screen the way a sculptor shapes and
molds clay. Their approach to film emphasizes their
ability to create story and emotion through
manipulation.

4. DIFFERENT VIEWS UNDER
FORMALISM
NEO-REALISM
ANTI-REALISM
REALISM
AVANT GARDE

5. IDEOLOGICAL FORMALISM
•Focus on how socio-economic
pressures create particular style
•How it communicates ideas,
emotions, themes
Two Examples related to
Formalism:
•Classical Hollywood cinema
•Film Noir

6. CLASSICAL HOLLYWOOD CINEMA
•Distinct style – create closed world on screen
•Make experience as pleasant as possible; Audience
gets involved

7. INSTITUTIONAL MODE OF
REPRESENTATION
•Dominant mode of film construction
•Production, production, production!
•Audience imaginatively involved in film – identify with
what’s on camera
•3D space created; Presented with clear pieces of
info
•Characters psychologically developed and
distinguished – close-ups, acting
•Narrative driven by character psychology
•Continuity editing, three-point lighting, “mood” music

9. FILM NOIR
Founded by Nino Frank in 1946
Categorized as “Melodramas”
Moved toward “Crime” genre
Shot in Urban Environments
The main character is “flawed” or “morally
questionable”

10. POPULAR MOVIES
1941- The Maltese Falcon
1944- Double Indemnity
1946- The Big Sleep
2000- Memento
2005- Sin City

11. FORMALIST THEORY/AUTEUR
Created to redeem the art of film.
By arguing that films had authors, films could
be considered works of art like
 Paintings
 Literature
 Music

12. FORMALIST THEORY CONTINUED
This theory would give the Director the bulk of
the credit and not the screenwriter.
Directors are now at the same level of
importance as novelist, composers & painters.
They get recognition for their craft.
Film is said to lye somewhere between theatre
and literature.